Richland

Richland County lies in the South Carolina midlands. Its county seat, Columbia, also serves as the state capital.

Richland County lies in the South Carolina midlands. Its county seat, Columbia, also serves as the state capital.

The county was founded in 1785 within the Camden District, and its name most likely refers to the “rich land” of the county. In 1791, Richland County became smaller when land previously belonging to this county was added to Kershaw County.

During the Civil War, Sherman entered Richland County and occupied Columbia before setting it on fire.

Since its founding, Columbia has served as an economic hub for the state, especially in terms of trade and manufacturing. The county is home to Fort Jackson, Congaree National Park, and multiple lakes and rivers. Notable county residents include Senator Wade Hampton and President Woodrow Wilson.

 

SOURCES: About Richland County

Ambrose E. Gonzales | Legacy of Leadership Profile

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1857–1926 Ambrose E. Gonzales was not only an illustrious journalist but a businessman who, against tremendous odds, kept afloat and saw flourish The State newspaper, which he and his brother, N. G...
I. S. Leevy | Legacy of Leadership Profile

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I. S. Leevy (1876–1968) Isaac Samuel Leevy was born into poverty in the Antioch section of Kershaw County on May 3, 1876. But he grew up poor only in material possessions. He had dreams, and he had...
Gayle O. Averyt | Legacy of Leadership Profile

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Gayle O. Averyt (Born October 13, 1933) In 1995, Gayle Averyt retired as chairman of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, a company his father co-founded, ending an active career that began...
Gayle O. Averyt | Legacy of Leadership Interview

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Gayle O. Averyt (Born October 13, 1933) In 1995, Gayle Averyt retired as chairman of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, a company his father co-founded, ending an active career that began...
The Land
Episode 10

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The unique geology of the "Fall Line " forms rocky, whitewater rapids typical of the Blue Ridge on the Saluda River near Columbia, South Carolina. Much of the land along this section of river is...
Edwin F. Averyt | Legacy of Leadership Profile

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Edwin F. Averyt (1903–1978) In 1937, Edwin F. Averyt and a partner, J. C. Judy, with no experience in the insurance business, opened an accident insurance company in Columbia with only $5,000 capital...